Chapter 4. Devilium. Part 4.
Lilith returned to main room and gestured to her slaves. She was curious about her new leader, and decided to go and see him right away, and find a place for them later.
They went towards east and after finding main road followed it to the east gate. When they exited the gate, they saw mercenary camp in the distance.
They went towards the sprawling mercenary camp, just beyond town limits. The air here felt different – charged with tension and barely restrained aggression, as various bands of warriors went about preparations for upcoming battles or celebrations.
Tents dotted landscape stretching as far as eye could see; each bearing insignia unique to its particular company. Loud voices rang out amidst clang of steel against stone and wood practice dummies. Laughter mixed freely alongside curses spat between grunts, effort exerted during grueling drills, designed to push warriors beyond limits of physical endurance. A large pavilion sat at center of encampment – clearly belonging to top leadership among mercenaries, who called this place home. As they approached its entrance, Lilith noticed two figures standing sentinel before flapping canvas doors.
The first was an imposing man with wild beard, framing broad shoulders beneath battered armor plate; a sword belted casually at hip, hinting at strength belying casual air he affected now. Beside him stood another knight – his form encased head to toe in dark enameled metal that seemed to absorb very light itself. Only pair of piercing eyes were visible behind visored helm, which gave any indication that life still remained within those iron walls.
– And who are you supposed to be? – the bearded man rumbled as they neared; voice carrying easily above din surrounding of camp. He examined their colorful company, unable to discern their leader: – I’m Adamus – leader of Hawk band here at Devilium.
He gestured towards armored knight beside him, continuing his introduction, while gesturing towards the armored knight beside him.
– This is my second-in-command – we call him Knight. He’ll be overseeing your band’s integration into ours, for duration of this mission.
The knight remained silent; only eyes flickering briefly in Lilith’s direction, before returning to impassive gaze fixed upon distant horizon. Despite his stillness, an air of barely contained power seemed to radiate from the figure.
Lilith met Adamus’ steady gaze directly; her own bearing and projecting confident competence, despite obvious size difference between them.
– My name is Lilith. These are my men, – she introduced them: – My friends are warriors, while I can use some magic too.
– Magic or sorcery? – for the first time spoke up Knight.
– Magic.
Adamus grunted noncommittally at this – one eyebrow arching skeptically as he took measure of small group before him.
– We’ll see about that, – he rumbled finally, after moment’s consideration: – You arrived just in time. We are leaving in three days. Feel free to camp here or in town, but be here in three days at dawn.
– Where are we going?
– Demons prepared a small fleet to take us to Wrathon. Journey will be long, but faster than on land. There we meet up with main demon army and swim further to Ash Valley. From there we march to face fomorians. Any experience fighting them?
– No, – Lilith shook her head: – Never even saw any.
– Not many had. They’re a twisted bunch, those. Stand taller than most humans by a head or two – broad shoulders and muscular frames that seem almost inhuman, – mercenary leader ran a hand through his wild beard thoughtfully, before continuing: – But it’s their features, which give them away really – skulls elongated at top like some strange demonic crowns, with sharp fangs protruding from lipless mouths, set amidst mottled green-grey skin.
He leaned in closer conspiratorially; voice dropping to a low growl, as he imparted next tidbit of knowledge gained through hard-fought battles.
– Rumor has it they possess magic unlike any seen before. Some say they can manipulate very fabric of reality itself. Makes them tricky foes indeed.
Adamus straightened up again then – clapping Lilith on shoulder, with meaty palm in show of camaraderie born from shared adversity against such terrible foe awaiting ahead.
– But we’ll face ’em together, – he declared confidently – eyes flashing with determination, mixed with equal parts of wariness and experience gained through many hard-won battles, similar this one.
Lilith returned Hawk band leader’s steady gaze, nodding in grim acceptance.
– Sure. See you in three days.
Adamus nodded, watching Lilith and her men leaving.
– What do you think of them? – he asked the knight.
The armored figure remained motionless for a long moment, before finally speaking.
– The woman has potential, but I do not like her eyes, – Knight stated: – Her men – slaves. Strange choice and strange company.
– Scary indeed, – agreed Adamus: – But I liked minotaur. Seemed like a strong warrior. Rest, we will see.
He shrugged and turned towards his men. He was in charge of seven hundred men of his company. And now he had two hundred more to worry about. Adamus had his doubts about this job, but his band needed work, and this was the best offer in a while. And additional men under his command came with more pay. That was hard to refuse.
– Let us hope they do not cause too much trouble, – he finally sighed.
Comment (0)